Kathmandu, September 20: The death toll in the Rasuwa floods has risen to 1,451, Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) said on Sunday, as search, rescue, medical assistance and relief operations continued in the affected areas.
According to an update issued by the NDRRMA at 7 pm, 13,784 people have been rescued, while 5,786 people remain missing, including 636 foreign nationals.
The authority said 33 Nepalese Army helicopters have been deployed for rescue and relief operations in the affected areas. Fifteen people are currently undergoing treatment at five hospitals, while security forces have provided medical assistance to 10,163 people.
The NDRRMA also announced an alternative housing and livelihood grant for families unwilling to stay in holding centres. Under the arrangement, eligible families will receive NPR 15,000 per month for accommodation and livelihood support for up to six months, for a family of up to four members. An additional NPR 2,000 per member will be provided for families with more than four members, until alternative housing is arranged.
The authority said the procedure for availing the grant has been finalised and communicated to the concerned local governments for implementation.
Meanwhile, Nepalese Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle on Friday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India and the people of India for the support extended to Nepal’s rescue and relief operations following the floods. He also said Nepal was looking to mobilise international assistance for reconstruction.
India has continued its relief assistance to Nepal following the floods on August 26. On Saturday, the ninth Indian Air Force aircraft carrying 11 tonnes of relief material arrived in Kathmandu.
Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava said the consignment included tents, medicines, sleeping bags and forensic supplies, which were handed over to the Nepalese government.India began dispatching relief material, equipment and specialist personnel to Nepal from August 26, with nine dedicated aircraft deployed as part of the assistance.